The phrase "The Bills are in the playoffs" has never been tweeted,
posted on Facebook, or uttered by an Uber driver. It has never been told
over satellite radio. It has never been streamed. It has never been
blogged or vlogged.--Steve Malumud

Makes the Packers' fans whining about missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade seem especially shortsighted.

They will stoop to any level not previously reached in order to protect Obama's legacy and a corrupt government.

Meanwhile, idiots like Alyssa Milano and other "feminists" insist they live in a terrible place...they should take the next flight to Iran. They'd be back in 24 hours kissing the GOP's feet.They won't, of course, because they're cowardly and gutless.

Trust me, this level of hypocrisy does not go unnoticed by the rubes in flyover country. When the lefty women had their march, no one dared mention that they were protesting...the simple fact the election had not gone their way. They were, in effect, protesting a fair election because it had not been tainted.

The Rambling wife had surgery a month ago, so I hadn't started my car since we put a new garage door on 3 weeks ago today. Decided to give it a go at the zenith of -1 today...started about 95% as well as it does all summer.

We've talked about this before, but the irony is, those that insist the president is lacking are the same ones who insisted he had no chance to win the primary, or the general. That the economy would go straight into the toilet. That he would accomplish nothing. NFL ratings would boom because they're so much more in tune with the rubes.

It's a special kind of economic ignorance that can look at the only presidency since WW2 without a single quarter of 3% growth and then expect a drop off when the successor has been a business tycoon for 40 years.

Trump is unpopular with the old media. Obama was a god to the old media. However, the idea that one was hellishly popular and one is hellishly unpopular is just a fib of the old media.

Rasmussen is the only polling firm that uses computers and touchtones to do their surveys, because live polls can be worded and "proper" answers "suggested" to the rubes...especially those so foolish they do not live in flyover country or believe in a higher being.

I think a wise man has said often that the only thing missing from defeating Isis is giving a damn about defeating Isis. When you're far more concerned about fictional topics such as climate change and internet freedom, but indifferent about evil terrorists who hate America, many deplorable bitter clingers were so fed up they voted for Trump.

Every time the Bucks lose a game, you see social media loaded with "fire Kidd" hashtags and comments.

Look, I don't know if Kidd is the best or worst coach in the game. However, I do know he's right. He keeps harping on the Bucks' effort, especially on defense. He's correct. Giannis commits silly fouls, often 25 feet from the basket. He is a top 5 player, but still cannot shoot from anything past 18 feet. Middleton and Bledsoe are good offensive players, and Khris is good on both ends. However, as a team, rebounding, defense, and

Still, this is not a team that would appear to be nearly as good as BOS or CLE, or HOU, GS, or SA. They are a solid next tier club, however. They are probably a center and a role player away from moving up. Henson and Maker have been ok many games, but are far from what a championship level needs.

Shortsighted goofballs like Kristol live in a world where they never once stopped to consider the fact that if they would have got Hillary, we would not have Gorsuch, Isis on the run, a booming economy, a working border, and the greatest tax bill since Reagan.

It's a dated reference, but the "you can't vote for the lesser of two evils" always brings me back to those who say, "You can't expect Raquel Welch to be a great cook." Evangicals realize it, but many others keep waiting for Jesus Christ to run...

{Never realizing, of course, they'd never vote for a long haired Jew with unmarried parents anyway.}

...and instead of going with the guy they match up 82%, they complain they would prefer 95%.

You'd think someone always stuck on the wrong side of history would figure out it might be time to work your way around to the non "Yep, wrong again" position.

Fought it every step of the way. Not a single Dem voted for it. A few days later, they're already pushing the narrative that the extra money in pockets is because of them. We simply cannot allow them to lie their way out of the truth.

It's just like blaming the GOP for the failures of Obamacare; even though it was explained to anyone with the brain of a gnat it would lead to fewer insurers and higher premiums, because it ignored the laws of supply and demand. And it has failed just like we said it would.

Considering minimum salary is just over $500K, "only" about $1.5M more doesn't seem like much at all for the consistent production...but, let's not forget, JH was available last year on waivers last April. Carlos Torres was picked up on waivers in APR of 2016 also, so there does tend to be inexpensive bullpen options after teams set their 25 man rosters.

They still do things the exact same way as they did in the early 90's. In the late 90's, they hired a consultant to tell them what was wrong. They were given a long list, from the same folks who turned around Best Buy. What did they do?

Even his slogan, "hope and change," was meaningless. It can be taken however you wish. You want high taxes and more government? A weak military and incredibly crappy healthcare that costs oodles more than the old stuff? Guess what? You can make the slogan mean that.

The Rambling family just completed watching The Santa Clause like we do most every year. I went into Amazon Prime, and remembered The Real McCoys were on, and I have not seen a single episode in 25 years.

Badgers looked very comfortable and under control today. Now one is going to mistake Green Bay for a ranked team, but it reminds you if they had played all small and mid majors, they could easily be undefeated.

Good competition is good for a team growth, but not good for wins and losses.

I do have to watch the water temp in the winter or my skin dries out, but other than that, it's a calming, relaxing, clean habit.

What really puzzles me is when people complain they have a cold, I tell them to take a hot shower every couple hours, as the steam helps. They often look at me like I'm the most brilliant person anywhere (well...) and say, "That's a great idea. I always feel best after a shower."

The Brewers announced that they’ve signed right-hander Radhames Liz
to a minor league contract. Liz, a hard-throwing 34-year-old, has seen
more time in the Korea Baseball Organization and Nippon Professional
Baseball than in the Majors in recent years. He didn’t pitch in 2017 but
has allowed just two runs in 35 1/3 innings during the Dominican Winter
League this offseason. He’ll compete for a bullpen spot in Spring
Training.--MLBTR

I wanted Liz a couple of times when he was DFA'd by the Pirates, I think back in 2015. Throws incredibly hard, or at least he did, a consistent 93-95.

And really, if we start counting dead bodies at 4, we'll have to pretend we care about damn near everyone.

Don't forget, Hillary finally broke down and told the truth when she yelled, "What difference at this point does it make?" She also looked those parents in the eye and told them it was about a video weeks after they knew the truth.

I keep hearing AAA say the peak travel times for driving is split between yesterday and today.

Both the Rambling wife and I felt this was early, but with the holiday on a Monday, I assume much of the travel will be split between FRI/SAT/SUN/MON, so much so that it pushes it back. Upon further discussion, we think it's probably related to the millions of college students heading home.

Back when I was in retail, I know MON/TUE Xmases were always known for being "late" peaks, as that last weekend...especially the last SAT before, were always insanely busy, as people would say "well, we still have next weekend" and then it was time, and people realized "Uh oh." Also, many celebrate Xmas the SUN before the holiday, further "shortening" the shopping season. Xmas Eve, no matter what day of the week, was steady, but never really busy...most people would buy just an item or two, and after 1 or 2PM, it would just drop off.

I just saw someone the other day say the left's continued easing of the definition of "collusion" has been misunderstood...people think it's because they want to work with Trump and put this whole thing past them. In reality, it's to protect themselves because far more has been found in the Clinton campaign and in the Obama administration than Trump has ever been accused of.

Remember how everyone laughed when Trump said he had been wiretapped? Since then, we have witnessed the fact that, yes he was, and the old media insisting "wiretapped" is different from being "bugged" or "eavesdropped" on.

Oh, and by the way, the info that led to the warrants that led to the bugs? Bought and paid for by Hillary's campaign.

Chacin gets $15.5M over 2 years. $1.5M to sign, $8M in '18, $6M in '19.

{I love frontloaded contracts, mostly because most people insist they are stupid. I understand about the "current value" and all, but to me, the only positive (other than minute amounts of interest) is that you might not have to pay them if traded. That fails to take into account a player is worth more if owed less, especially to small market teams.}

Yo gets $2M non guaranteed, and another $2M in incentives. Not owed a penny unless he makes the 25 man roster. Has incentives as a SP and RP, was not given any promises. Knows he has to make the team.

Yesterday, while the Rambling wife was at her therapy appt, I stopped in at the pharmacy to pick up the Rambling son's allergy meds.

Pharmacist--He was out of refills. We had to call the doctor and get a new one. They usually take a couple days to call back. Al--When he went in for his checkup, the doc updated his prescription. I remember because they changed the dosage, because his weight is high enough now. He's been taking 2 instead of 1 in the meantime. P--What? (pushes buttons on the keyboard) Well, that was back in August. Al--(no idea why it being 4 months ago matters) OK. P--(sighs disgustedly) Well, we'll get that one started then. Take a seat, it'll be 15 minutes or so.

I guess it was a especially tough day in the high stress world of...moving pills from big bottles into small bottles.

It's almost as if Pelosi, Schumer, and the old media have been lying to the rubes public because they know "we want more of your money to put on pallets to give to terrorist sponsoring nations."

Dennis Miller was a Democrat his entire life until 9/11. He often speaks of the left losing him when all they could say was, "We can't do a thing to make you safer, but we're gonna need more of your money."

I could see a scenario in which the Crew would trade Santana and basically decide to fill the 4 OF spots with Braun, Broxton, Phillips, and Brinson (with Perez/Thames in the mix as well).

Could Kemp find a place in there? Especially if Broxton was also dealt and/or Brinson begins the season in AAA, Kemp would be insurance for Braun injuries and to set up Phillips for success, protecting him versus tough LHP's. Obviously, the Dodgers would have to either pay most of his salary or include a plethora of prospects (or a combo platter of both), but Kemp has always been a lefty masher, and despite warts on defense and aging badly, still has pop in the old bat.

You see your honor, my experience with meth began when my dad underestimated American exceptionalism and bet against the greatest nation the planet has ever known. A stupid never Trumper, huh? I feel for ya, son. Never really had a chance, didya?

With a down season, thus far at least, one has to keep in mind...there were just as many complaints about Bo Ryan back when the Badgers were in back to back Final Fours.

If you doubt this, look at your social media today. I guarantee you there are people insisting the Packers need to "clean house"...and regardless of what you saw, no one blames Rodgers for his interceptions and others for turnovers. The better a team is, the more complaints there are. Why? Because the casuals and bandwagon folks are drawn like magnets to winning teams.

We've talked about this before on Ramblings, but John McCain should be able to vote without being in DC. In fact, given the internet exists and all, there's no reason for any politician to have to spend much time at all in DC in this day and age.

One of my favorite things is when the old media pretends to be knowledgeable about the military and in doing so, end up looking extremely ignorant about the military.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat
them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with
all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a
fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no
circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to
fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be
the lone survivor.Rangers lead the way!--last 3 paragraphs of the Ranger Creed, bold added by me

While the old media looks on aghast at why he didn't just throw up his hands and demand to be taken to a 5 star lodging institution with a full vegan menu and 600 thread count linens, in reality, he was just doing what he signed up for. It involved killing bad guys and letting the lawyers worry about the rest.

Saturday, we had an early Xmas gathering at the Rambling inlaws. After lunch, they put on Home Alone so the little ones could rest a while. A few minutes later, 6 year old Rambling nephew Charley was seen wandering around, playing with something or other:

Grandma--Charley! Are you not watching Home Alone? Charley--(loud sigh) No. I've seen that HUNDREDS of times.

Nothing wrong with bringing in depth, especially at discounted rates, which I assume he will receive. I certainly would not expect Yo to match his long run of 3.75ish ERA's, but I would not be surprised at all to see him bounce back to a 4.50ish ERA, especially in the NL and with Counsell's complete apathetic attitude towards removing SP's before they get into trouble.

Every day the economy remains a success under Trump will be as shocking as the bad news under Obama's "you did not build that," shake his finger in contempt at business every step of the way mentality.

They just don't understand what positive thinking and positive discussion of American exceptionalism does main street USA.

Stearns says they have not felt comfortable paying the price for relievers other clubs are paying. He says he think there will be plenty of good arms left to build a quality bullpen, using both internal and external options.

No one mentioned it, but what Jared Hughes was asking for might look better now as well. No word if they will be clearing a 40 man spot to make a Rule 5 selection either.

Rosenthal reports on MLB Tonight that Brewers have talked to Tigers about Kinsler and to Royals about Whit Merrifield, a name we have not heard before this week.

Merrifield is a late bloomer who had a nice debut at 28, plays mostly 2B but has also played the other 7 non battery positions in the minors, though rarely outside of 2B/LF/RF in the bigs. Does not walk much, so his OBP is very BA dependent. Good speed, and defense at 2B was well regarded by the metrics. His 2018 BR projection is almost identical to Jonathan Villar's, and is actually 2 years older than JV.

Brewers have both prospects and plenty of financial flexibility, so are overwhelmed by teams and agents, juggling lots of issues, per Rosenthal. Mentioned again they are set up for an Archer deal if they choose to pursue him.

Just saw a tweet that said liberal counties that supported Hillary have 77% turnout tonight compared to a year ago...the conservative ones that supported Trump are at 62%.

This looks like McCain and Romney's numbers...the suburban GOP voters stayed home, and it looks like a 3% or thereabouts loss for Moore, something like 50-47.

For the most part, they did not switch sides, but they didn't care enough to show up either.

What does this mean? The only sure thing is simple...unproven, but loud attacks will continue. That same phrase often said..."If Moore is guilty, he doesn't deserve to win," while true, hides the simple fact that very few know what the truth is or where the exaggeration is.

This means, there's plenty of room for mean spirited attacks by mean spirited people with no proof, but with a lot of agenda.

NYT vote analysis has had Jones at about 68% to win most of the night,up to 75%, expecting a huge turnout in Dem counties and a lesser one in GOP counties.

The worst number I've heard for Moore is a 48-48 Trump favorability in exit polls...AL is about +30 on Trump. Many, including myself, are reading this as Trump voters and Republicans deciding they'd stay home because they felt both results were bad.

Lots of talk on Twitter about the Giants going after Santana hard now that Stanton is off the market. As the fans are pointing out, however, SF really does not have a young, impactful SP that MIL wants in return.

The casuals that say Chris Archer is overrated are the same ones who insisted Hauser be jettisoned from the 40 man because he was injured.They were the same ones who didn't think Chase Anderson had any value becuase "he isn't an ace."

Archer is really good, and his contract is extremely team friendly.

The more folks I see that don't like Archer makes me feel better about him. 600+ innings, a sub 4 ERA, and a near 4-1 K/BB ratio the past 3 seasons in the AL East, along with those 4 offensive juggernauts?

GM David Stearns said he has offers out to free agents -- I'm assuming
pitchers -- and is awaiting answers. Is prepared to do more than one
thing. Trade talks also ongoing.--Tom H, JS

As Doug often pointed out, he often had to put a 72 hour limit on such offers, because FA's with no intention of signing with MIL would use such offers simply to get more money/more years from their preferred destination.
This is why the artificial "end"...like a trade deadline, spurs movement.

Email asking what it would take to get Archer and Colome both from the Rays.

A lot.

For both, you're probably looking at 5 young players or prospects, with 2-3 top guys, like Santana, Brinson, or other top 100 prospects or starting players with several seasons of team control (Shaw/Arcia/Davies), and 2-3 lesser players/prospects.

An example?

Santana or Brinson, Isan Diaz, Brandon Woodruff, and a couple more lesser prospects or young players.

--Stearns says Crew would have to have a a young, impact pitcher" for Santana.

--The A's are looking for a power OF bat or two, and one could guess INF Jed Lowrie, who has a single year left on his contract, might be a match with MIL...though the A's would probably have to add a SP of some merit.

--An observation...the Brewers still have a full 40 man roster, so one might expect them to remove a player or two before the Rule 5 draft FRI. Recently claimed Dylan Baker, Oliver Drake, and Andrew Susac would probably be the bottom 3 on my list.

ADDED: Forgot that Stearns says he does not plan to schedule a meeting with Swarzak or Walker's agents...neither appears at all wanting to give the Crew a discount, and in Walker's case, is said to want a 2-3 year deal...we have heard many say the Crew loves Dubon and expects him to be ready. Isan Diaz is also a top ten organizational prospect, while Hiura was just drafted last season, he is expected to move up the ladder quickly, and if his elbow stays healthy, he will be at 2B as early as 2019.

Stearns has shown no desire to spend on relief pitching, as HOU did not, until they were true contenders.

1. Women who wait 40 years to come forward are often viewed with skepticism.

2. Roy Moore is not running against Ronald Reagan or even a mostly reliable modern day GOP candidate like Ted Cruz or Rand Paul. He's running against a Democrat who supports abortion up until the minute before birth. A Dem who would give up his pinkie finger in order to figure out a way to collect taxes on the $20 bill you found in a mud puddle on your morning walk.

JFK was a very flawed candidate. So was Bill Clinton. So were Hillary and Trump.

The irony is, those that defended Ted Kennedy, are the ones who loudly say guys like Moore should just step aside...because of accusations. Politics ain't a pretty business. It often means ignoring troublesome things and voting for the one who agrees with your outlook.

Rambling wife looking at finishing her last class for this semester for her online college, and what classes to sign up for next. Yelled at me for wanting to have the leftover lasagna for lunch. Told me not to eat all of it. Said maybe I should make a doctor's appointment for that 2 week persistent cough that she told me last night would be a waste of money to have a doctor look at. Picked out a new hairstyle, having me drop her off at salon when I pick up the Rambling son after school and take him to curling practice.

Guess what? It's been 12 days since her knee surgery, and I take it she's feeling better.

I doubt they will, as only the Dodgers are an option...though as long as LA thinks they can throw money at the wall and win, I suppose it's a possibility.

--Matt Harvey still available, after being linked to the Crew last summer, will probably continue to be until he's injured or traded elsewhere. I like him as a "buy low" candidate, as the irony is, if he was healthy, he'd probably revert back to his 2015 and prior form. But, he's lost about 3 mph since then, and the idea of that just suddenly showing up again is minimal. Also, as a FA after this season, if he does have anything left, he has every incentive to have a tremendous 2018.

County jails are meant to slowly coerce guilty pleas. I remember what it
felt like to land at a federal prison after serving 10 months in jails
with very little sunshine or exercise. They had bright lights shining
down on us when we tried to sleep. Prison felt like freedom.--Shon Hopwood

The amazing thing, as I have pointed out often, is look how many solid players are not listed in the top 30, that still have value and while they project as fringe MLB players, some will outperform and make it. A few other random thoughts on said list:

I've said it many times before, but Nate Orf is a big leaguer. He won't have much power, and lacks range on D. He will hit though. He's Brent Suter of the position players.

Brinson and Hiura are correctly placed at 1 and 2.

Ray and Dubon are too low at 10 and 13. So is Phillips at 15. All of these guys have such high floors, they should be ranked higher.

That group of 19-23 may end up being as good as any group other than the top 5.

Can't believe how little the Marlins got from the Yankees for Stanton...an overpaid utility INF, a top 200 prospect, and a 17 year old from the Dominican...a complete wildcard.

I get it...Stanton took away almost all of MIA's bargaining power by limiting teams (similar to Braun's limited value now and even with his no trade clause). He's owed an absolute fortune...but can also opt out after only 3 years...hence, he has huge long term risk and also "only" 3 seasons left. Limited positives, lors of negatives.

That said, a week ago, Marlins' fans were asking for 2 Cards' young OF's and 3 of their top 5 prospects. I expected the return to be somewhere between the actual and the proposed...actually add one of the top 3 in the Yankees' system, and you'd be pretty close.

Who would have ever thought they might get more for Yelich or Osuna, especially if they pair one of them with Straily or a relief pitcher?

The definition of casual? Fans that think they can get "almost as much for Broxton" as they can Santana. I'm seeing it everywhere.

I'm thinking Santana is worth about the same as Gomez was when when Carlos and Fiers were traded to HOU. Broxton is not only several years older but is nowhere near the dominant offensive player. He is a good defender and very athletic, so most teams would have a place for him...but he is not a difference maker like Santana.

I've compared Stanton and Martinez to Santana before, and while one could argue they are slightly superior, Domingo is younger and far cheaper than both, and more athletic than JD. And, they need to be in no hurry to make a trade

I find it difficult to believe that Tom could answer this many questions and be less newsworthy. That said, by pure repetition, he seems to think the Crew is very high on Dubon, probably at 2B, and I would agree. He's very young and a tremendous athlete.

Because of that. perhaps we should look at a one season option at 2B, rather than a trade for Cesar Hernandez or a 2-3 year deal for Neil Walker. Ian Kinsler would make sense in that scenario.

Between hiring liberal hacks who have looked for dirt on Trump for the past 20 years, they have found nothing, leaked details to the friendly old media, and have managed to bring down the integrity of the FBI by leaps and bounds in just one trip around the sun, despite building up oodles of goodwill.

I'm a pretty casual NBA fan. That said, the Bucks suddenly appear good enough to defeat most teams at home without giving a full effort.

That's the sign of a good team. Let's hope it keeps up.

On the opposite side of the coin,the Badgers play extremely hard, both on offense and defense, every possession. Many times, you're just waiting for Dekker or Kaminsky or even Koenig or Hayes to suddenly show up and hit a big shot, or make a big play.

They have a group of very good freshmen, but younger players always have growing pains. They show up a lot more when those players get 25 minutes rather than 10.

The scarcity of SP seems to playing havoc with the market so far, and whenever the supply is low, it raises the price. I doubt the top of the market will see this kind of artificial inflation, but the price on guys like Cobb and Chatwood is probably an extra guaranteed season plus $2M a year over the original projection.

Back
when I was in retail, at one location I was 2nd in charge. The manager
was very nice and worked hard...but wasn't a very good leader. After
about 6 months, she went to another company and they promoted a person
from another store. He came in and just watched for a couple weeks. He
sat down with me a couple times and asked what I thought of this person,
of the store, and so on. At the start of week 3, he said he was going
to start "scaring some people." He said if he ever said anything to me
or around me, not to be offended.

He literally went out
the office door that week and started yelling at everyone, especially
those he had noted were average or below, and even moreso to people who
had not finished assignments. After a week or two, he went back to
normal, and was one of the best, if not the best, boss I ever had. But
my goodness, in that year or so I was there before opening up another
location, no one ever questioned him, no one ever told him something
could not be done in the time frame given, EVER.

We say
words are empty, and tone is not important. The thing is, they are not.
People notice them. President Trump was elected a year ago, but the
public's optimism is, as studies show, off the charts. That constant
chatter about a wall and a tough response to those who tried to cross
the border illegally...have worked.

There's a lesson
to be learned here, but as usual, the old media doesn't get it, and in
today's world, everyone tries to be offended by anyone who raises their
voice. Leadership still works.

What's that old Teddy Roosevelt saying? Speak softly and carry a big stick. If you talk loudly, you don't even need a stick.

My sister in law and her husband had Krispy Kreme donuts and you would have thought they had parted a sea. People enjoy cake, but no one gets excited over it. Heck, chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven would be vastly preferred.

Back when I was in retail, at one location I was 2nd in charge. The manager was very nice and worked hard...but wasn't a very good leader. After about 6 months, she went to another company and they promoted a person from another store. He came in and just watched for a couple weeks. He sat down with me a couple times and asked what I thought of this person, of the store, and so on. At the start of week 3, he said he was going to start "scaring some people." He said if he ever said anything to me or around me, not to be offended.

He literally went out the office door that week and started yelling at everyone, especially those he had noted were average or below, and even moreso to people who had not finished assignments. After a week or two, he went back to normal, and was one of the best, if not the best, boss I ever had. But my goodness, in that year or so I was there before opening up another location, no one ever questioned him, no one ever told him something could not be done in the time frame given, EVER.

We say words are empty, and tone is not important. The thing is, they are not. People notice them. President Trump was elected a year ago, but the public's optimism is, as studies show, off the charts. That constant chatter about a wall and a tough response to those who tried to cross the border illegally...have worked.

There's a lesson to be learned here, but as usual, the old media doesn't get it, and in today's world, everyone tries to be offended by anyone who raises their voice. Leadership still works.

What's that old Teddy Roosevelt saying? Speak softly and carry a big stick. If you talk loudly, you don't even need a stick.

Both the Brewers listed, Heineman and Wren, are decent enough players, but both are older and lack the ceiling to be taken. They could step in and be passable reserves in MLB, but so could a few dozen minor league FA's available without the season long 25 man roster commitment.

I listed Dom Nunez as my top choice a couple weeks ago, and without having gone in depth to study this list, still have him as that. Solid offensive catcher, and athletic enough he has also played 2B and SS. That also makes him easier to carry as a 25th man.

As I have discussed before, I usually DVR the local noon news. I often fast forward through it in about 10-12 minutes. They always have a "farm report" on, where they list prices for cattle, milk, and other commodities. I don't have any skin in the game, but often notice when they look a bit higher or lower than usual.

This year, despite incredible amounts of rain in our area, hay prices have been very high, with some locations getting $240/ton for high quality 2nd and 3rd crop (for you old timers like me, that would mean a 50 pound "small bale" like we used to handle all summer would be going for $6/bale). I have seen articles saying that is because of the drought in high producing states like ND/SD/MT...lots of Midwest hay has been going west, so the high supply has been diverted elsewhere, so prices remain high.

I just noticed today that "common springing heifers" were selling as low as $500-600...that seemed so low, I thought it might be a mistype.

{FYI, a "springing heifer" is a young cow within a few months of having her first calf, usually right about at 2 years of age, or preferably, about 1.75 years. Many farmers like them because they are younger, healthier, and have their whole milking life ahead of them.}

Even if you pasture them much of the year (and no, pasture is not free, you have fence costs, seeding, property tax, etc), I'm sure it's not possible to even raise one for that amount, never mind deal with the inevitable injuries, illness, and death that take place on farms and ranches. But, sure enough, that seems to be correct, though the "good" and "top" springers are still selling for $1200-1500. And, it goes without saying there are a lot more "common" cattle than "top" ones.

Think of all the stop loss orders that were triggered due to Moran's dishonest report. 72 hours later, it has recovered that loss, and will open about 300 points higher than that, so we're looking at a 700 point difference, about 3%. Never mind certain stocks were probably 10 times that.

Mistakes happen. Human error happens. But Moran's biased, inexcusable hillaryism? Pathetic. And to use a legal term, they gonna pay.

Packes opened as a 6 point favorite at the Browns. Has been bet down to 3.5 in the first couple hours.

I actually spent about 2 minutes researching CLE's home games a couple weeks ago, and they have been in almost every game at home, and has lost several one score games at home this year. On the road, they usually lose by double digits.

I'm a noted contrarian, but I will say the same thing I always do...whenever a team "wins" a free agent and signs him to a long contract for huge money, almost inevitably, in a couple seasons, they are trying to pawn him off AND in many cases paying part of the contract just to be rid of them.

Stanton is a fine offensive player, but he's also injury prone, and coming off a career campaign (not surprisingly, at age 27). SL has several very solid OF's, and they could deal from that strength and fill their holes while maintaining their prospects.

If I lied in Alabama, I'd vote for Roy Moore. I have little doubt he's a scumbag, and maybe even a pervert. But he'd vote just like I want him to, and at least I wouldn't have to vote for a Democrat!

Reading it might come down to turnout...blacks are about 27% of AL population, and are predominantly left of center. One poll talked to 17% blacks, and Moore was up 6; in one with 25% blacks, Moore trailed by 3. Hillary barely got 1/3rd of the vote in Bama, so one suspects Moore is being devastated by the accusations...though he still may win, as a generic R probably leads 60-40 in the deep red state.

I got it Clemson/Oklahoma/Bama/Georgia, though I do not know what order 3/4 will end up in.

The Big Ten should end up in the top bowls, and as a heavy favorite in most.

12/02/2017 11:10:00 PM

These are the good old days. Some folks are just too busy wishing the streets were paved with gold to enjoy the good times.

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